BMC Nurses Call Off Strike — ‘For Now’

According to a statement from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, Berkshire Medical Center nurses have agreed to withdraw their one day strike, at least for the time being.

We have made enough progress to avert the strike scheduled for Tuesday and continue bargaining with the hospital. We retain the right to re-issue another 10-day notice for a one day strike if necessary.

MNA Bargaining Update

According to the update, management from BMC started the day on Thursday (2/22) by saying they were motivated to settle because of the nurses looming strike date and their need on Friday to pay replacement nurses for the lockout.

However, they still refuse to make any staffing improvements, mainting their previous postiion on charge nurses. Management also still has not provided us the date necessary to negotiate over health insurance. We were unable to reach an agreement on that issue.

MNA Bargaining Update

The nurses will hold a "Patient Safety Vigil" this Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm outside the main entrance of BMC.